James Watson Esq.^r May 29^th 1800 New York — Sir I have received your letter dated the 25^th Inst.^t and on application at the War Office I received the accounts you mention to have lodged there. They are of a nature not to be settled at this Office. Several applications have been made to me for the payment of similar accounts; and they have been referred to the Treasury Department as the proper one to present the accounts. They have however been refused a settlement upon the principle that the United States were considered as not liable for their payment. I believe from what I can understand of the subject that no fixed principle is established, to govern in the case. No settlement has ever taken place, and it would appear from that circumstance that objections exist to their settlement, not ready to be removed. Of this however I cannot speak with certainty; as I before observed this Office is not charged with the settlement of such accounts. I therefore return them to you inclosed — Sam^y W.S.